WCMU Transmitter Building Fire

[statmanmi]

Is CMU committed to putting WCML and WCML-FM back on the air soon? Seems like they could do what WPHN has, at least for the FM. It sounds like the antennas weren't damaged. Still haven't heard about the damage to the actual towers....

Hello Ben Zonia and All,

MAB (Michigan Association of Broadcasters) posted this news item regarding the progress by CMU Public Media at the Atlanta, MI transmitter site:

https://www.michiganmedia.com/2024/05/1 ... na-signal/

"Although the transmitter building was a total loss, the broadcast towers at the site have been inspected and deemed viable."

Seeing that MAB posting caused me to check the WCMU.org website, where they've indeed updated the page regarding the situation:

https://radio.wcmu.org/station-news-pro ... r-michigan

Both postings avoid speculation on return to air dates: "An exact timeline for their return to full power is still unknown, as WCMU continues to work with Central Michigan University and our insurance company to determine the best path forward to build a permanent transmitter building at the site."

Cheers!
Statmanmi

[Ben Zonia]

At 1349 feet, the WCML tower is now the tallest in Michigan. The WEYI tower was once 1359 feet, but the antenna had more bays to get at one point 4,080,000 watts ERP analog, which was reduced to 2,040,000 watts before going digital only with much less ERP, and only needed a shorter antenna aperture, reducing the overall height to 1323 feet.

Too bad WCML didn't have those "barn raising" engineers to get them back on the air sooner like WPHN.

I asked that engineer I met that was staying out there about 40 years ago what his name was. He pronounced it, and I asked if it was spelled it "Scheidel". He said "close" but wouldn't spell it. I suspect it was spelled "Pscheidl". Anyone remember him?

[texorama]

Just curious ... tuned in CMU Public Radio on my way back from the U.P. today, and I noticed they still include WCML in their top-of-the-hour station ID. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that against the rules?

[TC Talks]

What rule says you can't give an ID to a licensed station?

[Bull Shannon]

I don't see why it would be against the rules to include WCML in the top-of-the-hour station ID when it's only off the air temporarily until they get facilities rebuilt.

[Ben Zonia]

They probably need a Silent STA renewal in a couple months.

Soon they should build a temporary facility, like WPHN did, for WCML-FM and WCML-TV.

[MWmetalhead]

So, is 91.7 WCML *still* off the air?

If so, that's quite remarkable. CMU must receive very little revenue from NE lower Michigan.

103.9 & 94.3 cover all the wealthy zip codes.

[Ben Zonia]

Nothing on this page says anything about WCML being back on the air.

https://radio.wcmu.org/station-news-pro ... r-michigan

[ftballfan]

So, is 91.7 WCML *still* off the air?

If so, that's quite remarkable. CMU must receive very little revenue from NE lower Michigan.

103.9 & 94.3 cover all the wealthy zip codes.

95.7 from Oscoda covers some of that area

[MWmetalhead]

I always forget about that one.

[audiophile]

The Atlanta transmitter was probably an ok location analog VHF from coast-to-coast fixed TV antenna, but makes a lousy location for UHF ATSC and mobile FM. It could be decommissioned, and few would complain. The UHF TV could be put on the 95.7 tower.

[Ben Zonia]

Maybe they could move WCML-TV to Channel 13 and collocate on the WBKB Channel 11 tower. I assume that the antenna is broadband enough for 11 and 13 because the WBKB digital signal was in 13 until 2009. Then buy or move a TV LPTV translator or two to fill in the gaps.

[ftballfan]

I'm also a little surprised WCMU hasn't approached 92.5 WFDX's owner to lease that stick temporarily. IPR leased 105.5 WSRJ for a while when their big 88.7 was down a few years back

[Ben Zonia]

I'm also a little surprised WCMU hasn't approached 92.5 WFDX's owner to lease that stick temporarily. IPR leased 105.5 WSRJ for a while when their big 88.7 was down a few years back

They also could use the antenna to diplex on 91.7. The way I heard it, it would have worked even for 90.5 with less power, because the VSWR was higher than 91.7 would be.

,

[statmanmi]

Nothing on this page says anything about WCML being back on the air.

https://radio.wcmu.org/station-news-pro ... r-michigan

Not to steal the thunder of Ben Zonia's new thread about the FM station coming back online this week (https://mibuzzboard.com/phpBB3/viewtopi ... =7&t=64669), but it's both TV and FM that have resumed at reduced power.

From CMU's site (https://radio.wcmu.org/station-news-pro ... r-michigan ) :

"This section was updated on July 31, 2024.

"WCML TV Channel 6 & 91.7 FM have returned to the air!

"The signals are broadcasting at roughly 50% power, which reaches about 70% of the lost broadcast coverage. We anticipate WCMU Classical will return later today. This isn’t a solution for everyone, but we are happy to be back.

"WCMU is extremely grateful for the support and patience our viewers and listeners have shown during this most difficult time. Viewer and listener telephone calls, emails and letters have focused on our return to the air and how important WCMU Public Media’s programming is to their lives. We are so happy to once again bring you the quality news and programming you expect from us. We understand this has been a slow return to service. We’ve faced a number of hurdles along the way, but we are very optimistic about this news today. We invite WCMU Public Media viewers and listeners across northeast lower Michigan to tune in once again for their favorite Public TV and Radio programming.

"WCMU would also like to extend its appreciation to our engineering team that has been working tirelessly to bring us back to the air. Designs are coming together for a permanent building. We anticipate a return to full power sometime next year.

"The Hillman Area Fire Department was unable to determine the cause of the fire that occurred on February 28th."


The FCC filings for both the FM and TV cite yesterday (Tuesday July 30, 2024) as when operations resumed.

Cheers! ~~ Statmanmi